Religion Concepts and Definitions

Questions and Answers

What does the Latin word 'religion' likely come from?

Religare which means to tie something tightly.

Why does Prothero think it's important to emphasize the differences among the world's religions?

He thinks it's important because grouping all religions together strips away individuality in belief, as well as differing conflicts and problems that cannot be unified.

What do all religions share in common according to Prothero?

They all deal with the condition of humanity and often share similar beginnings.

What is the 'insider/outsider' problem?

The insider's problem relates to their personal experiences, while the outsider's problem raises questions and creates uncertainty. Signup and view all the answers

Name two categories of sacred lands described by Deloria.

A place of historical importance and a place where the divine made something take place. Signup and view all the answers

What word does Deloria use to describe the religio-cultural attitude of Native American peoples?

Kinship Signup and view all the answers

What does Deloria mean by the 'struggle for dignity' in Indian spirituality?

Natives work hard for dignity both in giving and receiving it from family, earth, and community. Signup and view all the answers

In the Yoruba tradition, what is the Problem?

The gap between heaven and earth and remembering one's chosen destiny. Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the most commonly revered sacred text in Hinduism?

Vedas Signup and view all the answers

Briefly describe Jnana yoga.

Jnana yoga is for intellectual thinkers requiring education and meditation on the Vedanta and Upanishads. Signup and view all the answers

What are three of the four aims of life in Hinduism?

Kama, artha, dharma, and moksha Signup and view all the answers

What is the framework for Hinduism regarding the Problem, Solution/Goal, and Techniques/Path?

<ol> <li>Problem is the cycle of life and rebirth (samsara). 2) Solution is spiritual liberation (moksha). 3) Techniques involve individual practice and forms of yoga.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What does the tripartite confession in Buddhism refer to?

Seeking refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. Signup and view all the answers

What does emptiness mean in Buddhism?

It signifies the potential for creating life as nothing exists independently. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Tao represent in Taoism according to Prothero?

The way or path back to nature and the source of everything existing. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'wu wei' mean in Taoism?

It means going with the flow of life rather than against it. Signup and view all the answers

What is the framework for Christianity regarding the Problem, Solution/Goal, and Techniques/Path?

<ol> <li>Problem is sin. 2) Solution/Goal is repentance and salvation. 3) Techniques/Path are faith and works.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What are the 'Five Pillars' of Islam?

Shahada, Salah, Zakah, Soum, Hajj Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of argument in Judaism?

It supplies knowledge of history and identity and is seen as a healthy part of being Jewish. Signup and view all the answers

How does Prothero describe Christianity as a 'soft monotheism'?

It represents God as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, existing as one entity. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'new religious movements' denote?

Movements that appeared after the 18th century with significant cultural impact. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Origins of Religion

The English term "religion" likely derives from the Latin word "religare," meaning to tie something tightly.

Approach to Understanding Religions

Prothero emphasizes recognizing the differences among religions rather than commonalities to maintain their individuality and address unique issues.

Commonalities in Religions

All religions address human conditions and often share similar beginnings despite differences.

Insider/Outsider Problem

Insiders rely on personal experiences, while outsiders raise questions that introduce uncertainty.

Categories of Sacred Lands

Deloria identifies sacred lands based on historical importance (e.g., battlefields) and divine events initiated by a higher power.

Native American Kinship

The term "kinship" describes the Native American worldview, highlighting interconnectedness with people, land, and other life forms.

Struggle for Dignity

Native Americans strive for dignity in relationships with family, earth, and community, viewing mutual honor and respect as central to their beliefs.

Yoruba Framework

Problem: The gap between heaven and earth and memory of one’s destined path.
Solution/Goal: Discovering one’s pre-birth destiny.
Technique/Path: Utilization of divination and mediators (e.g., Babalawo).

Hindu Sacred Texts

The "Vedas" are the most revered Hindu texts, integral to the order of early Hindu communities.

Disciplines of Yoga

Jnana Yoga: Focuses on intellectual meditation and self-awareness for philosophical thinkers.
Bhakti Yoga: Centers on devotion to God through repetitive meditation and loving worship practices.

Aims of Life in Hinduism

The four aims of life include Kama (pleasure), Artha (prosperity), Dharma (duty), and Moksha (liberation).

Hindu Framework

Problem: The cycle of life and rebirth (samsara).
Solution/Goal: Spiritual liberation (moksha) through individual practices.
Technique/Path: Personal worship and various forms of yoga.

Core Tenets of Buddhism

The Four Noble Truths guide followers: life is suffering; desires create suffering; ending suffering is possible; there are methods to achieve this.

Three Refuges in Buddhism

Buddhists seek refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.

Concept of Emptiness in Buddhism

Emptiness represents the interconnectedness of all things and the potential to create meaningful existence.

Buddhism Framework

Problem: Suffering.
Solution/Goal: Achieving Nirvana.
Technique/Path: Following the Eightfold Path and engaging in meditation.

Taoism and the Tao

The Tao is the path back to nature and the universal energy that connects all existence.

Qi/Chi in Taoism

"Qi/Chi" represents the energy of life flow within Taoist thought.

Wu Wei in Taoism

"Wu wei" signifies aligning or going with the natural flow of life.

Taoism Framework

Problem: Lifelessness.
Solution/Goal: Live fully and joyfully.
Technique/Path: Nurturing personal happiness and well-being.

Judaism as Religion and People

Judaism is defined by the commitment of its people to ancestral laws and stories, emphasizing its community aspect.

Argument in Judaism

Critical argumentation promotes knowledge of identity and truth, reflecting a dynamic engagement with sacred texts. This fosters a connection to historical identity as "Israelites."

Branch of Judaism: Orthodox Judaism

Orthodox Judaism maintains traditional teachings and practices, retaining patriarchal elements and attire, emphasizing roots in a modern context.

Christian Theology: Soft Monotheism

The Holy Trinity depicts God as one being in three forms: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, differentiating Christianity from stricter monotheistic views.

Hallowing Ordinary Things in Christianity

Christianity emphasizes the sacredness of everyday life, particularly through the incarnation of Jesus.

Pentecostalism in Christianity

Characterized by the "browning of Christianity," emphasizing experiential faith, including baptism in the Spirit and engagement with spiritual gifts.

Christianity Framework

Problem: Sin.
Solution/Goal: Repentance and salvation.
Technique/Path: Faith and works.

Five Pillars of Islam

Shihada: Declaration of faith.
Salah: Prayers five times daily.
Zakah: Charitable giving.
Soum: Fasting during Ramadan.
Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca.
Together, these pillars unify Muslims in shared beliefs and practices.

Lenses for Understanding Islam

The Quran, Allah, and Muhammad serve as foundational concepts for viewing the world from an Islamic perspective.

Qur'an Definition

Muslims view the Qur'an as God’s last revelation, providing guidance and affirming their faith's sacredness.

Islam Framework

Problem: Self-sufficiency.
Solution/Goal: Achieving inner peace.
Technique/Path: The Five Pillars and adherence to faith.

New Religious Movements

This term refers to religions emerging after the 18th century marked by their size, longevity, and cultural significance.

Baha'i Principle

The fundamental principle asserts that truth is relative, emphasizing the oneness of God and subjective understanding of beliefs.

Sacred Text in Latter-day Saints

The Book of Mormon asserts Jesus appeared to people in the Americas post-resurrection, urging the establishment of a new church.

Healing in Christian Science

Based on a dualistic principle dividing physical (harmful) and spiritual (beneficial) healing.

Christianity's Soft Monotheism

The doctrine of incarnation emphasizes God’s human manifestation in Christ, contrasting with more rigid religious depictions of deity.

Features of New Religious Movements

Originated since the early 19th century, these movements exhibit significant size, enduring presence, and cultural influence.

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Description

This quiz explores fundamental concepts and definitions related to religion, delving into linguistic origins and specific viewpoints on world religions. It is based on readings from notable texts, including McCutcheon's analysis and Prothero's 'God is Not One'.